Today’s briefs

This week, Nigeria’s reform momentum collided with global scrutiny. From Washington’s threats over religious violence to a new tax on imported fuel, the signals are loud. And they all matter.

As always, we track these shifts not just for what they say, but for what they mean. Dangote’s refinery now outpaces domestic demand. Nigeria’s state oil firm is scaling efforts to revitalize its refineries. And Lagos Fashion Week drew global spotlight with Ciara’s dazzling presence.

The stakes are high. The signals are clear. Can we decode them together? Let’s dive in.

— Samuel Okocha, Editor, 234Digest here

Nigeria’s security crisis draws global attention amid U.S. threats 

Tensions over Nigeria’s long-running security challenges have intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut aid and consider military action unless the Nigerian government halts what he described as the killings of Christians by Islamist militants.

Designated a “Country of Particular Concern” by the U.S. State Department, Nigeria now faces heightened diplomatic scrutiny. The Nigerian government maintains that its constitution protects all religious groups and rejects allegations of selective persecution.

Analysts say this moment could open the door to deeper bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, potentially strengthening Nigeria’s security framework and even unlocking new investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's dollar bonds have plummeted, among the worst losses in emerging markets, amid concerns that fallouts from the insecurity issue, if not properly managed, may undermine President Bola Tinubu's reform agenda and limit access to global capital.

Dangote refinery surpasses domestic demand, backs 15% import duty 

Nigeria's Dangote Petroleum Refinery is producing more gasoline and diesel than the country's consumption, with daily output reaching 45 million liters of petrol and 25 million liters of diesel.

The company has backed the federal government's plan to impose a 15% import duty on refined fuel, a move aimed at protecting local refining investments and enhancing energy security. The import duty is part of broader fiscal reforms designed to boost non-oil revenue following last year's subsidy removals and foreign exchange deregulation.

NNPC seeks equity partners to revive idle refineries

Nigeria's state-owned oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is seeking technical equity partners to revive three dormant refineries with a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day.

CEO Bayo Ojulari says the corporation is conducting a thorough review to boost domestic refining. If successful, the move could help Nigeria become a net fuel exporter, combining NNPC's output with Dangote's existing production capacity.

Ciara brings global spotlight to Lagos Fashion Week

American singer Ciara Wilson brought global glamour to Lagos Fashion Week's 15th anniversary, celebrating African fashion and creativity.

During her visit, Ciara toured the Nike Art Gallery and was welcomed by Lagos State's Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Dressed in traditional blue adire attire, Ciara's appearance underscored Lagos's growing influence as a cultural hub where African creativity meets international flair.

Words of wisdom: "We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are."—Max DePree

Photo of the day

And that’s it for today. Until next next when the next dispatch arrives, have a fantastic week ahead.